Utility links (mobile)

Research your local history

Our libraries hold many resources to help you find out more about our city. We have three major local and family history collections at Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew libraries.

Camberwell Library holds historic records for Camberwell, Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Canterbury, Deepdene and parts of Glen Iris, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert. The Boroondara collection, collected since the formation of the City of Boroondara in 1994, is held at Camberwell Library.

Kew Library holds historic records for Kew and Kew East and has a large collection of published family histories.

If you need help with your research, our librarians at each of our libraries are happy to assist you or ask a librarian.

Key histories of the area

Our libraries hold many histories of the area. In addition to the key resources listed below, there are many more books on genealogy and family history in the collection, search for items on the shelf around the numbers 929.1 to 929.3.

Heritage studies

Heritage studies are very useful for researching local, family and house history. They contain information about the development of an area, a survey of streets and descriptions of estates and significant buildings.

Broad heritage studies completed for the former cities of Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew in the late 1980s and early 1990s include:

Balwyn Historical Society

Camberwell Historical Society

A volunteer organisation founded in 1963 that preserves historical material about the former City of Camberwell. It keeps historical records of the district and holds lectures, discussions, excursions and other activities. Visit Camberwell Historical Society.

Canterbury History Group

Formed in 1985, the group collects, preserves and presents historical material about the suburb of Canterbury. Visit Canterbury History Group.

Friends of Boroondara (Kew) Cemetery

Formed in 2006, the group researches the historical significance and national importance of the cemetery and those buried there. It also conducts tours and presents talks. See Friends of Boroondara (Kew) Cemetery.

Hawthorn Historical Society

Formed in 1974, the society explores, preserves and shares the community’s history and heritage. It holds frequent events, including talks, walking tours and displays. It also conducts research, answers queries from the public and publishes historical publications and a quarterly newsletter. Visit Hawthorn Historical Society.

Kew Historical Society

Formed in 1958 to assist in the preparations for Kew’s 100th anniversary in 1960, the society now works with local government and other organisations within Kew to stimulate interest in Kew's history and heritage. It publishes information and resources to inform people about Kew’s history, as well as organising events relevant to its heritage. Visit Kew Historical Society.

City of Boroondara Council website

Public Record Office Victoria (PROV)

Holds many records including Council rate books, field books used by Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) staff, land records and wills and probate records for occupants of your house. Visit Public Record Office Victoria.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

State Library of Victoria (SLV)

Holds many useful records such as parish maps, architectural plans, auction plans and notices, early newspapers and magazines, and a picture catalogue of photographs, prints, drawings and digital images. Read the SLV online Research Guide, Researching buildings and houses or visit State Library of Victoria.

Royal Historical Society of Victoria

Trove

The discovery platform of the National Library of Australia holds many useful images of Australia, including the local area - past and present. Also, it provides access to digitised newspapers, journals, books, maps, diaries, letters and archives. Visit Trove.

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